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Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-MM Speakers by photomensch

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REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-MM Speakers

138.89.119.226


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Model: VSM-MM
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $7700
Description: Two way floorstanding speaker with Battery-Bam
Manufacturer URL: Merlin Music Inc.
Model Picture: View

Review by photomensch ( A ) on September 11, 2005 at 06:58:14
IP Address: 138.89.119.226
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for the VSM-MM


Summary – Compared with the Merlin VSM-M, the refinements of the Merlin VSM-MM are numerous and obvious. Bobby Palkovic is a high-end audio visionary who delivers the goods. It’s the best money I could have spent to upgrade my current system.

Comments – In my opinion, one of the most important design criteria for the MM was to reduce audible and subsonic system noise. The MM without the BAM sounds better and quieter than the M with the BAM (except for a thinner low end) - while the MM with new Super BAM yields significantly greater overall performance than the M with former BAM. Here are some improvements worth noting. If I had time, I could write a paragraph about each one:

- Realistic highs that are also clearer and smoother
- Tighter bass with more slam
- Improved presence and realism of solo musicians and vocalists
- Deeper sound stage
- More uniform tonal balance
- Much quieter background
- Better definition of complex music and acoustic environment
- Improved amplifier efficiency that yields lower distortion and greater dynamic range

Some CDs and SACDs used during my evaluation include the following:
- Eva Cassidy Live at Blues Alley - CD
- Lila Downs One Blood - CD
- Copland on Reference Recordings - CD
- Ray Brown Soular Energy - SACD
- Karrin Allyson Sweet Home Cookin’ - SACD
- Steely Dan Gaucho - SACD
- Honky Chateau Elton John - SACD
- Chet Baker in New York - SACD
- Poncho Sanchez Out of Sight – SACD
- RCA Living Stereo SACD reissues
- Mercury Living Presence SACD reissues

Conclusion – An important point I should mention is that I’ve always considered my AES/Cary Six Pac monoblocks to be a great bargain, and was willing to accept their limitations. Since these limitations are now gone, you might say my MM upgrade included a free amplifier upgrade. If you’re starting out with a good amp, you’re likely to have the same experience.

Finally, I want to thank fellow AA inmates for encouraging me to pack up 200 pounds of speakers so I could ship them to Bobby. Some side benefits included bonding with my son, as well as meeting neighbors who also helped me with the challenging task. I can’t imagine Bobby’s next vision for his product line. Maybe it will be speakers that come in separate containers. :)


Product Weakness: Single, 200-pound container, is difficult to manage.
Product Strengths: Many. See above.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: AES/Cary Six Pacs
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Belles 21A
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony DVP-S9000ES/Rega Planar 3
Speakers: Merlin VSM-MM
Cables/Interconnects: JPS/DH Labs
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz/Classical/Female Vocalists
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 12 x 12
Room Comments/Treatments: Carpeted
Time Period/Length of Audition: One month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Walker Discs
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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  Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.  



Topic - REVIEW: Merlin Music Inc. VSM-MM Speakers - photomensch 06:58:14 09/11/05 ( 1)